The first thing I did was to apply gesso to the cover. This just hid some of the writing (but you can see it if you want) and also gave some protection to the cover.

Secondly I used the scallop circle framelist to create the center circle. I then free hand cut the rays of the sun.

To add extra dimension, I sponged the rays and sun with Daffodil Delight ink. I also stitched around the rays to give it some subtle detail.

Finally, I stamped her name on some scrap patterned paper I had in archival ink and cut out squares to place in the center of the sun.

A final step I did was to apply some matte medium over the centre and the rays. This ensured that it would be protected and could stand the test of time. I used Claudine Hellmuth but Mod Podge works just as well. I caution you to be careful with using matte medium because since Stampin' Up!'s ink is water based as soon as you apply it you will get a reaction. In other words you'll see smudging. To avoid this you should use archival ink like StazOn. For this project, it was ok to smudge the yellow distress ink and it wasn't really an issue.

Thursday, 26 September 2013

And he still loves soccer like he's 12 years old.... and so this card is for him.

Our family is truly lovers of the beautiful game. We spend a lot of time on the fields playing, coaching and watching. My husband is a devoted Manchester United fan. So much so that I got a signed Rooney jersey for my wedding gift for him and we have named our dog Rooney after their star player (but not for long..).

When I did this card, I couldn't stop there because I took this card out of my big shot and was practically drooling!!! To make the card I simply punched out the hexagons using the new Stampin' Up! punch. I then put it through the big shot using the circle framelits so that it was perfectly round. The background is gumball green cardstock with the lattice embossing folder. I also swiped some of the gumball green ink over the top for some dimension.

And then I had to play around one more time to use the hexagons as a background. I also placed this card front through the big shot with the perfect polka dots embossing folder.

Here's a family photo... its old and from before Jack was born but ... you get the point...

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

I found myself in Minneapolis this past week... and it was cold. Just like right here in Newfoundland.

Well. I am gonna bring Spring back.(As a side note, "spring cleaning" just popped in my head. I need to clean. Yup.)

Without further ado... here's SPRING!(And you have only until the end of the month to get the Papillon stamp set and punch set for 15% off!)
I simply love this composition paper just as is (you can easily emboss resist with this). My idea was to use my sewing machine to create the "butterfly paths". I broke out my strawberry slush ruffled ribbon again for a pop of pink! To create the sentiment, I used a stamp from Sketched Birthday hostess stamp set. I stamped it on whisper white paper and fussy cut around the edges of the circle. I cut off the part that said "happy birthday". I then covered up the top of the cupcake.

And here's a couple "Bonus" projects because I can never stop at one!

Cindy has been blowing my socks off so lets see what shes up to this week!

PS. Don't forget to join myself and Catherine over at Cathy and Catherine Create for the three monthly challenges due at the end of the month! Link up to win a prize!!

Monday, 23 September 2013

I was in Minneapolis this past weekend and I saw some snowflake decals. And I caught myself saying in my head "Gosh. I cannot wait for Christmas."

The start of Christmas for me is always when Starbucks has their holiday cups out.... I simply cannot wait.

I just have to mow through this Halloween candy first.

Anyway, I have started to feel some Christmas spirit so I began decorating this Christmas organizer cover! This 40 page organizer has five sections including calendars, cards, entertainment, decor, gifts/packaging, etc. There's plenty of pages for your notes and some little pockets to store gift receipts, tickets, etc. Here's the pictures of the insides.If you aren't so crafty but still want the organizer, its $20 to purchase from me! Enjoy!

As with my other pages, I've been taking this project life style in a different direction. I want to make it easy to document every day moments but without the overwhelming feeling that it has to be done every week. Feel free to make your own rules!

So, as its now Autumn, break out those gorgeous browns, yellows, reds and oranges.

When my sister-in-law asked me to make the family a birthday banner to commemorate three family members' birthdays it made my life manageable that I could grab this kit and create.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT CATHY, UNCLE TED AND PAUL-EE!

I love how this banner turned out. Check out the close ups!

First I stamped with the Dictionary background stamp. If you look closely, you'll notice that the stamping isn't perfect. That's what I wanted... don't feel like you need to get everything perfect all the time. In this case, its exactly the rustic look I was looking for!

To do this technique I actually used a circle framelit out of some scrap paper. I then used the scrap circle as a mask. I then used early espresso ink to apply on the stamp but I didnt keep applying ink. I just 'went for it' and stamped "willy-nilly".

Once I did that to all the pieces of canvas, I needed to do the letters. I found it easiest to get my ink pads nice and inky and use the sponge daubers to apply onto the canvas.

I strung the banner together... but thought something was missing...

and there was...

I dipped the edges in glitter by painting mod podge unto the edge of the canvas then applying glitter.

Monday, 16 September 2013

I had the privilege of decorating for the new Mr. & Mrs. Bennett's wedding this weekend. They had their location at a lovely farmhouse shown below! The meal was a pig roast and so burlap was a key ingredient to the wedding to give it a rustic feel.

I created seven bouquets using the Stampin' Up! burlap and organza ribbon.

This was made with whatever was on the table!

These are the wedding programs, just a little bit of twine goes a long way!

(If you weren't sure, this is the flower girl's wand)

Above are the boutonnieres I made for the groomsmen. Below is a quick shot of the tables.

The head table had lights twinkling under the skirt and I tied the burlap theme with this banner. There was low vases on the table so that the bridesmaids could place their bouquets.

See above for the refined burlap table runners, as well as the ends tied with twine and a bit of greenery.

The planned centrepiece is on the left but ran into trouble when the weather was too humid causing condensation, as well as the fans blowing out the floating candles. Instead I forgo the candle and opted to top all of the centrepieces with baby's breath.

The bride and groom wanted to show their roots so on the fireplace we place a mix of pictures and lights.

Here's the table that had the guest canvas (in lieu of guest book), as well as gift table. Try using lots of heights, as well as a bircage or something different to collect the cards. Remember to tie it all together for a nice transition from the guest tables to the side tables.

And finally, here's the final seating chart but the pictures don't quite do it justice. This seating chart is sitting on an old piano. By the end of the night there was hundreds of lights on this piano surrounding the chart... It looked super neat! Don't forget the small details. I love to use my strings of pearls and jewels!